Extended Diploma in Music

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music is designed for students aiming to pursue a career in the music industry or progress to Higher Education, this course provides an in-depth, practical, and theoretical understanding of the music sector.

Through support from our Industry based staff, you will be encouraged to demonstrate a high level of creativity and technical ability. You will develop your knowledge of music history, music theory, aural skills, composing, songwriting and music production –empowering you to be adaptable within the Music Industry.

The course is designed around a number of music projects, such as live performance projects showcasing your work in-house and within the local community, composition or song writing tasks, events organisation and management and research assignments.

Staff will support you to develop independent resilience and career strategy as a creative practitioner, enhancing your lectures, practical sessions and workshops with bespoke masterclasses from industry professionals. Past guests have included international recording engineers, commercial songwriters, award winning recording artists in addition to insights from the Musicians Union and the Performing Rights Society.

You will need a minimum of four or more high grades at GCSE in subjects relevant to the course you’d like to study, including maths and/or English Language at grade 4 or above. Alternatively, you’ll need a Level 2 Diploma with overall Merit in a relevant subject and maths and English at appropriate levels.

You will be invited to interview/audition where you will have the opportunity to meet the department and be shown the facilities.

You will be asked questions about your interests, and where applicable your compositions and allow you the opportunity to tell us all about your passion for the subject.

Maths and English

Alongside your course you will study Maths and/or English to improve your skills in these vital subjects by attending structured weekly sessions as part of your timetable. Maths and English development is also integrated in practical assignments.

If you wish to find out more you can contact us by email at: performingarts@nscg.ac.uk

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18.

College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a gross household income under £35,000 can receive financial support to cover college related costs such as transport, meals, course equipment and uniform. Bursary support is based on individual circumstances and will be allocated to best suit your individual needs. A range of other financial support is available depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit nscg.ac.uk/finance